Articles Posted in Drug Charges

On Saturday evening October 5, three men were arrested following a five hour standoff with a SWAT team and Kalamazoo police at a home in which what authorities describe as a “large, complex” meth lab was discovered. The age of one of the suspects was not disclosed; the others were 24 and 26 years old, according to a news article at Mlive.com.

A news release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety indicated that the three males were eventually taken into custody, but not without a fight. Lt. Christopher Franks stated that the standoff ended at about 10 p.m..

After receiving reports of a meth lab earlier in the afternoon, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Egleston. One of the suspects reportedly jumped out of a window when authorities attempted to make contact with those inside the home. Police indicated that the man was captured by an officer quickly, and arrested due to warrants which were outstanding. The two men who remained inside the home refused to come out. According to police, they were also wanted on outstanding warrants, although their names have not been released.

After cordoning off the area to ensure no one could come in close proximity of the home, police stood on guard around the perimeter of the home. It was later they discovered the men had multiple firearms in their possession. Upon learning this, the SWAT team was called in, and a search warrant obtained by police for the home.

Eventually one of the men was persuaded to exit the home by negotiators, however the SWAT team had to deploy a chemical irritant to get the other suspect to come outside of the home and surrender.

After the suspects were finally out of the house, police searched it and found a shotgun and complex meth lab. New reports indicate the investigation and search of the home took several hours as police had to eliminate the meth lab. While investigations are ongoing, police said charges for possession of firearms and the meth lab were pending as of Sunday afternoon.

Michigan drug possession attorneys understand the serious criminal penalties individuals face when charged with operating or maintaining a methamphetamine lab. Depending on how much of the drug is involved, past criminal history and other factors, those convicted face severe fines and substantial prison time, possibly up to life behind bars. Even amounts of less than 50 grams can leave the defendant facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

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Last week, 49-year-old George C. Williams was arrested after Cass County drug investigators located what they believe to be a marijuana growing operation in a barn located southwest of Marcellus, according to a news article at WWMT-TV Newschannel 3.

While no details were released indicating what led authorities to investigate, the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team allege that property in the 16000 block of Dutch Settlement Road in Penn Township is where they found “numerous marijuana plants.” Detectives also claim that inside the barn and on surrounding property they found more than five pounds of marijuana. A news release issued by the sheriff’s office claim the marijuana has a street value of approximately $30,000. A loaded gun was also allegedly found during the search.

Williams was arrested at the scene, and arraigned on Thursday October 3 in Cass County District Court. He was arraigned on one count of marijuana possession, one count of manufacturing marijuana, and two counts of felony use of a firearm. As of Friday morning, Williams remained in jail on a $30,000 bond.

Cultivating marijuana is a criminal offense punished very harshly in the state of Michigan, as police and prosecutors continue their efforts to crack down on drug offenders. While news reports said only that Williams had “numerous marijuana plants,” the penalties are severe for those convicted growing marijuana. For example, an individual who has fewer than 20 plants or an amount less than 5 kilograms may be charged with a felony offense. If convicted, penalties include fines of up to $20,000 and up to four years in prison. When the number of plants or amount of marijuana involved increase, the penalties do as well. Someone found to have more than 200 plants or over 45 kilograms of marijuana may face up to 15 years in prison and fines of as much as $10,000,000 if convicted.

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Two brothers, 18-year-old Tyler J. Livingston and 20-year-old Tony R. Livingston, have been charged with maintaining a drug house and manufacturing or delivering illegal drugs following an April raid of their home and a homemade fort located in the backyard.

Officers with BAYANET (Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team) executed a search warrant on April 11. The Essexville home, located at 216 Marshall Street, is where officers allegedly found the two brothers and five other people smoking marijuana and laughing inside the fort in the backyard, according to court records.

Upon searching the premises, officers allegedly seized 38.3 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a digital scale, 27.1 grams of marijuana, a cell phone, and $1,722 in cash. Tyler Livingston admitted to selling mushrooms and marijuana to school friends, while Tony Livingston admitted only to smoking marijuana. Both brothers pointed the finger at the other, Tyler saying that Tony procured all of the marijuana and mushrooms, while Tony claimed that all of the drugs recovered in the raid were Tyler’s. Tony Livingston also alleged that $1,100 of the money officers seized in the raid was from a Pell grant he received for school.

Tyler was charged with one count of maintaining a drug house, two counts of manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, and three counts of manufacturing or delivering marijuana. Tony was charged with one count each of maintaining a drug house, manufacturing or delivering marijuana, and manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance.

Tyler Livingston is set to appear in Circuit Court on Monday October 7 before Judge Joseph K. Sheeran, after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing in August. Tony Livingston’s preliminary examination date was pending as of a September 25 news report at Mlive.com.

Michigan drug crime attorneys know that those accused of manufacturing or delivering Schedule I or II drugs in the state or charged with maintaining a drug house face extremely serious consequences. Depending on the type of illicit drug or narcotic involved and amount, penalties can include a substantial number of years in prison along with tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Police and prosecutors crack down hard on drug offenders in the state in their efforts to win the ongoing drug war.

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On Monday September 30, a 24-year-old Jackson man was pulled over on a routine traffic stop by Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies at approximately 1 a.m. Upon stopping the man, deputies searched his vehicle after learning he did not have a valid driver’s license. While searching the vehicle, it was revealed the man was in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and packaged marijuana.

Sheriff Steve Rand said in a news article at Mlive.com that “It’s nice to get some (illegal marijuana) off the street . . . but we are also getting a gun off the street, which can lead to no good.” Rand went on to say that while the gun did not appear to be stolen, the suspect did not have a concealed pistol license. He also said that the CPL law was not designed so that people could further their drug trade. The Sheriff believed that because the marijuana was in individual packages, it was probably not intended for personal use but rather to sell.

On September 16, two people were shot in Jackson and sustained injuries over what police suspected to be a narcotics deal gone south. With this incident occurring just two weeks later, Rand feels that getting the suspect’s handgun off the street may prevent gun violence, a dangerous element often associated with drug crimes.

The suspect in this case faces charges which include carrying a concealed weapon, driving while license suspended, and marijuana possession.

Although the 24-year-old may be charged with marijuana possession, Michigan drug crime attorneys know that it is highly likely prosecutors will charge him with possession with intent to sell or distribute, because the marijuana was found in individual packages. The penalties for marijuana possession in Michigan include fines of as much as $2,000 and up to one year in jail. Should prosecutors decide to charge the suspect in this case with possession with intent, penalties range from four to 15 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000,000 depending on the amount of marijuana involved.

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On Friday September 27, two residents of Goble were arrested in connection with a suspected meth lab. Dannie Ray Field, 50, and Tracy Anne Markillie, 49, were arrested in Pine Grove Township by Van Buren County sheriff’s deputies according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Office.

Following the execution of a search warrant on a home located in the 16000 block of 27th Street, deputies discovered paraphernalia used for smoking meth, what was called a “sizeable amount” of finished methamphetamine, and components used in manufacturing of the drug. The press release also indicated that deputies found an active one pot meth lab and other materials used in making meth in a closet of the suspects’ bedroom.

Field and Markillie were both charged with maintaining a drug house, operating a meth lab, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Both were also arrested for outstanding traffic violations, warrant driving on suspended license. The two remained in custody at the Van Buren County Jail Friday, pending arraignment on the charges.

Michigan meth manufacturing defense attorneys know the criminal penalties the two individuals arrested face if convicted. Considered a Schedule II drug, methamphetamine manufacturing is punished very harshly in the state of Michigan. Those who are found guilty will face penalties which include fines of up to $25,000 and up to 20 years in prison. In fact, the consequences may be even more serious depending on certain factors, including the nature of the offense committed and amount of methamphetamine involved. Penalties may also be enhanced if it is determined that those accused were in possession of firearms, or if the alleged crime occurred within close proximity of a church, park, school, or other location.

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On Tuesday September 24, Erik E. Thompson of Flint pleaded guilty in Flint U.S. District Court to a single count of distributing crack cocaine. Thompson, who is 28 years old, avoided prison in a previous case involving a deadly shootout at an area apartment complex when he pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Thompson admitted that in July of 2010, he had sold approximately $40 worth of crack cocaine on the south side of the city. Thompson was indicted on federal drug charges in October of 2012 following an alleged attempt to sell crack cocaine to a confidential informant. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to authorities, Thompson met with someone he believed to be a customer behind a gas station, planning on selling the customer more than $1,000 of crack. Unbeknownst to Thompson, he was meeting with a Flint Area Narcotics Group informant, according to court records. As authorities approached Thompson’s vehicle to make an arrest, the defendant fled on foot. Upon pursuing Thompson, officers saw the suspect toss a clear plastic bag on top of a carport, suspecting it contained crack. Upon retrieving the bag, it was alleged to have contained almost 12 grams of crack cocaine.

Thompson spent nearly three years in jail in connection with the 2007 death of Jawaine Lay, who was killed during a shootout at a nearby apartment complex. Ultimately, Thompson testified against others accused in Lay’s death in exchange for his guilty plea to assault with harm less than murder.

According to a news article at Mlive.com, Thompson is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith on January 21.

Individuals convicted of distributing or selling drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines, and ecstasy often face extremely harsh penalties including fines of up to $25,000 and up to 20 years in prison. In the above case, news reports indicate that in exchange for his plea, Thompson will face a sentence upward of 15 years in prison.

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In January of this year, Ishpeming police were on the lookout for Todd Raymond Mills, aka Todd Wentworth, in connection with operating a meth lab. In a January news article at Upper Michigan’s Source, police described the suspect as armed and dangerous, saying that Mills intended to “commit suicide by cop” and hurt people who had hurt him. Police also indicated that Mills had been recently released from prison after spending 10 years for a violent crime he committed.

Two days after the news article was printed, police arrested Mills after finding him in a vehicle in Ishpeming; he was then lodged at the Marquette County Jail. Mills, who is 31 years old, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate a meth lab due to mental illness. Scheduled for an August sentencing hearing, it was postponed when the defendant’s attorney requested time so that Mills’ family members could submit letters to the court in an effort to keep his client out of prison, and possibly serve time in jail instead. Mills told Judge Thomas Solka that he wanted to better himself and get his life back on track, but that he could not accomplish those things if he had no way to do it. The judge responded by telling Mills that treatment would be determined at the time of sentencing.

Mills’ sentencing hearing was rescheduled for September 11. At that time, he was sentenced to seven to 20 years in prison.

Michigan drug crime attorneys know that under certain circumstances, some defendants may be eligible for alternative sentencing options such as drug courts, completion of an addiction program, 7411 sentencing, and more. However, these alternatives do not apply in every situation.

In cases involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and other serious Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 drugs or narcotics, the criminal penalties are extremely serious for those convicted. Depending on the type and amount of illicit drug involved, individuals may face penalties which include years or even life in prison, along with substantial fines. The damage to a person’s reputation and future is perhaps the worst punishment of all.

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On Thursday September 19, a Jackson man thought to be in his 30s was arrested after officials with JNET (Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team) discovered an alleged methamphetamine lab inside a Bates Street home, according to a news article at Mlive.com. The man’s name was not given in the article, however JNET Lt. Dave Cook did say he expected the suspect would be arraigned on charges of maintaining a methamphetamine lab, possession of meth, and possession of components used to manufacture meth.

Authorities said that after responding to a tip regarding a potential meth lab on Thursday evening, they went to the home located at 332 Bates Street and found the suspect to be in possession of methamphetamine and other components, including needles. Upon arriving at the residence, JNET officers knocked on the door; a woman answered, telling the officers that “there might be stuff in the basement,” according to Cook.

Upon searching the basement of the home, officers discovered coffee filters, lye, acid, and other components used to make meth. Police also said that while inside the home, a vehicle pulled up to the house containing the alleged suspect and a white male. According to Cook, the suspect is a previous offender. Lithium batteries and petroleum were located in the vehicle, a gray Buick CX. Police also said that the suspects’ shoes and pockets contained methamphetamine and components.

Substances were confiscated by JNET, which also cleaned up the lab. All of the evidence confiscated will be taken to a secure facility, according to the article. Police also expect the woman who came to the door will be charged in the case.

Michigan drug crime lawyers know the criminal penalties for operating or maintaining a drug lab are extremely severe, and may include up to life in prison depending on the type and amount of substance involved. For example, drugs and narcotics classified as Schedule I or II substances may leave the accused individual facing up to 20 years in prison for amounts less than 50 grams. Substantial fines may apply as well. Even those drugs which are exempt from these penalties may leave you facing fines of up to $10,000 and 7 years in prison.

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On Monday evening September 16, two men sustained injuries in a shooting and were transported to Allegiance Health. One of the victims, a 20-year-old Jackson man, was being treated for life-threatening injuries after being shot numerous times in the torso. An Albion man who is 36 years old was also injured, although his injuries were not considered life-threatening according to Jackson police Lt. Christopher Simpson. The shootings, which occurred in the 900 block of Russell Street, are believed to have been related to a drug deal “gone bad” according to a news article at Mlive.com.

Police believe the men may have been involved in a narcotics deal, however as of Tuesday afternoon Simpson said that police were still trying to determine just what happened. He went on to say that there appeared to have been an altercation which resulted in the two men struggling over a gun. Police were not certain whether the shooting was solely related to narcotics, or whether more was involved. Albion and Jackson were allegedly involved in the struggle, with the Albion man gaining control of the gun after being grazed in the head by a bullet. He then allegedly shot the other victim multiple times, leaving him severely injured.

The Albion man has been released from the hospital, however no arrests have been made at this point. Simpson revealed there were several people who witnessed the struggle, and that witnesses are being interviewed by officers and detectives.

Drug crimes are a very serious problem in Michigan, and often lead to violence. If one or the other of these two men was dealing in narcotic drugs, he may face serious criminal charges. For example, heroin is a Schedule 1 narcotic that will leave an individual accused of distributing even less than 50 grams facing potential jail time of up to 20 years if convicted.

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On Friday September 13, a Summit Township man and woman were arraigned on various charges related to methamphetamine after police discovered remnants of past labs along with an active meth lab in a rented home on Lakeview Terrace. Jennifer Jo Walker, 41, and Dennis Cunningham, 39, were arrested on Thursday September 12.

Walker was charged with a misdemeanor count maintaining a drug house, and possession of methamphetamine, a felony. Cunningham was charged with delivering or manufacturing methamphetamine, and operating or maintaining a meth lab, both felony offenses.

While investigating an unrelated incident, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies received a tip regarding the possibility of drug activity going on in the home, where a young child lived. A statement from the sheriff’s office indicated that deputies went to check on the child, and discovered additional evidence which led to them securing a search warrant. Upon searching the home, deputies found evidence that a child had been in the home, although there was no child present at the time of the search.

Deputies obtained a warrant and entered the home along with the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team, ultimately discovering a meth lab and byproducts which according to deputies indicated previous meth manufacturing. Walker and Cunningham were arrested and taken into custody, where Walker was given a $2,500, and Cunningham a $100,000 bond due to the severity of the charges he faces.

If convicted of operating or maintaining a meth lab and manufacturing meth, Cunningham may face up to 20 years in prison. Walker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted for possession of methamphetamine.

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